Political commentary from the LA Times

Los Angeles Police Chief William J. Bratton has recorded a robo-call campaign message on behalf of Democratic Party presidential candidate Barack Obama.

Bratton, who was scheduled to deliver an address on urban policing at Johns Hopkins University this evening, could not be reached immediately for comment. The message reportedly criticizes the record of Republican Party presidential nominee John McCain on law enforcement issues.

A spokesperson for Bratton confirms that he has recorded the political campaign message but would not provide details of its content or where the Obama campaign plans to use it.

Bratton, one of the country's leading law enforcement figures, was widely seen as a strong supporter of Sen. Hillary Clinton during her unsuccessful bid for the Democratic nomination.

The phone message apparently is the first time Bratton has waded into the campaign on behalf of Obama.

The call is bound to refuel incessant rumors that Bratton is looking to land the top spot at the FBI or Homeland Security in a Democratic administration next year. Bratton has staunchly dismissed the idea, saying he is committed to remaining LAPD chief until the end of his term in 2012.

-- Joel Rubin

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